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It’s what happens when kids go off on an adventure and have the time of their lives, meeting new friends and learning new skills.

They grow, they blossom and they change.

It certainly happens at Camp Winston, where children with complex neurological disorders including autism and obsessive compulsive disorder reach new heights by building self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Caden sure did with the help and support of caring staff.

The transition was difficult for the 11-year-old, who has autism, a chromosomal disorder, is deaf in one ear and very sensitive to noise.

At first, he wanted to go home. He’d never been away from his family and didn’t know a soul.

Caden reacted by refusing to eat. He also demanded to call home all day every day, begging his parents to come and get him, said his counsellor Kendall Rowe, 20, who worked one-on-one with Caden to help him feel comfortable. Eventually they developed a bond.

Among the most dramatic changes to Caden’s life was his willingness to try new things like riding a bike. It’s something he’d never been able to learn until he came to Winston.

“It’s fun,” said Caden after riding down the hill at camp.

His smile said it all.

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Krista Park, an occupational therapy student from the University of Albert on a placement at Winston was instrumental in getting Caden to try new foods such as fruits and vegetables — something that had been a major concern for his parents. Krista introduced choices from the Canada Food Guide on his plate and with time, he began munching on carrots, eating bananas, cereal and hash browns. It was a giant leap for Caden.

And as he became more comfortable eating meals in the dining hall, Caden opened up, socializing and making friends.

“I like it here,” said Caden, who missed his guide dog Scotland but made a new best friend with Betsy, camp director Denise Fruchter’s Golden Retriever.

For a kid who couldn’t wait to go home, Caden made it through camp remarkably well. He was having such a good time in the end he didn’t ask to call home. On the one evening he did, it was only to let his dad know he was having a good time.

If you have been touched by the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca or call 416-869-4309

HOW TO DONATE: With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special-needs children to camp.

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